TEACCH was founded in 1972 by the late Dr. Eric Schopler, a pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of autism, during a time when the general public was largely unaware of autism and the prevailing medical belief was that the condition was caused by poor parenting and “Refrigerator Mothers.”

It was against that tragic backdrop that Dr. Schopler was one of the first to establish the neurological basis of autism. He originated effective treatment strategies that not only vindicated parents, but made them partners in their children’s therapy.

TEACCH provides a variety of services for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) including diagnostic evaluations, parent training and support, social play and recreation groups, counseling, and supported employment for higher-functioning clients. They also conduct important psychological, educational, and biomedical research as well as providing training for teachers, residential care providers, and other associated professionals in the U.S. and around the world.

One of FaffCon’s core values is to “leave it a little better than you found it,” based on a precept that I’ve treasured since my days as Scout. At past FaffCons we’ve been able to give to  Actors for Autism, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Everybody Wins Atlanta, and the Oregon Scottish Rite Clinic’s KidTalk program. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your incredible generosity.

I’d also like to thank my dear friend Bob Souer who serves as FaffCon’s charity liaison, heading up our charity search and evaluation process (and who can sometimes be seen at FaffCon surrounded by a sea of Faffers with fists full of cash, looking like a modestly dressed  Chippendale Dancer). He carries out this mission thoughtfully and with great care, helping us find worthy non-profits who need our help.

We’ll be presenting a “big check” to TEACCH at FaffCon 5’s closing session. If you would like to add your contribution to the total, Bob Souer would be delighted to accept your check at FaffCon! If you won’t be in Charlotte, you can mail your check (made out to TEACCH) to:

FaffCon
Attn: TEACCH
2885 Sanford Ave SW #19348
Grandville, MI 49418

Thank you for helping us help others!
 

Seriously, what’s your point?

• Low-ballers driving you mad?
• Did something funny happen in your last session?
• Did a flash of voiceover insight zap you in the head?

• What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were getting started?
• What knowledge, skills, or habits have you successfully brought to VO from your pre-VO life?
• What’s broken in our industry and what can we do to fix it?

• What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
• What about your most embarrassing in-the-booth moment?
• What are your favorite voiceover-related resources?

Let the FaffCon.com blog help you get heard. We’ll also include a short bio and a link to your website or blog to help folks find you and hear more. Email faffy@faffcon.com today so we can make it happen!

Photo: Steve Cunningham making a point at FaffCon 4

Plus, he’s not arrogant about it, even though he could be–because as far as I can tell, he’s usually (always?) right. His impish charm and the thoughtful way he considers his words makes even hard-to-hear advice go down with a spoonful of sugar. It’s no wonder he’s a major attraction at every FaffCon. As FaffCon’s mom, I’m proud and grateful that Bob’s impact goes way beyond his insightful contributions and compelling Topic Sessions. His (and his family’s!) behind-the-scenes efforts are a huge part of why FaffCon works.

Radio and Production Magazine interviewed Bob for their August 2012 issue (read it here).  Learn more of the Bob Souer back story and about his inspiring VO journey from full-time corporate life to to becoming one of the most successful and in-demand talents in our business, overcoming fear and self-doubt along the way.

And you know, Radio and Production is very cool industry magazine full of fascinating features; you might want to add this terrific resource to your career toolbox.

Did you find anything in the article that reminds you of some part of your professional journey? Are you trying to transition from full-time employment to supporting yourself as a freelance voice talent? Or, if you’ve already made that leap, how did you know that it was time? Please share in the comments.

For full details and news as it breaks, stay tuned to FaffCon.com.

Its been two weeks since FaffCon 4 wrapped in Ventura, CA.  For me it was more rewarding than I anticipated, and not in the ways I expected it to be… Before attending FaffCon 4, my first FaffCon, I considered it to be primarily a networking opportunity. Not a voice actor myself, I wondered exactly how it would benefit me and my business.  The thing is about an unConference like FaffCon, you have no clue what lies ahead until the moment the ideas for break-out sessions hit the scheduling wall. It was such an organically formed process, and it worked brilliantly.  

I also knew Id like to share some wisdom, but until the day came I didnt know what exactly it might be.   On the day, Dan Friedman, a voice actor/studio owner from North Carolina, suggested all of the techie types lead a panel together, to ensure the information we shared could be provided in a unified way.  Seven of us gathered for a panel, and the truth of it was that if nobody even showed up, we still would have had a great time bouncing thoughts off each other.  Those who came got their questions answered in detail, and others absorbed as much as they could handle.

Read more: El Dorado Recording Services Blog – My FaffCon 4 Experience: Unexpected Results

[FaffCon 4] was two full days of seminars about a variety of subjects led by some incredible people. I learned about home recording studio construction, how to land an agent, “inviting the avalanche”…

read more: GKN 3/27/12 – FaffCon 4, A Reflection… | Tom Dheere | Professional Male Voiceover Talent.

If you are a pro and have never been, you should put it on your list of things that you must do. If you’ve already attended a previous FaffCon then I’m sure you will be back again and I will see you there because…

I LOVE FAFFCON!

Read more: Dan Friedman’s SOUND4VO Blog FaffCon 4 Is Almost Here

One of the pluses about THIS un-conference is that the seating is limited.  That’s so YOUR seat has the same great view as everyone else’s!

Unlike other events with open enrollment, FaffCon4 didn’t need a lot of promotion.  Word-of-mouth alone led to the sold-out sign going on the door in short order.

Everyone in VO-land benefits from the lucky 100 attending FaffCon, ’cause like SXSW or TED, the ripples of inspiration and innovation spread out to the larger VO community.  I find it so inspiring that this event grew out of a collective spirit on the VO-BB in the first place, and then has thrived under the careful and tireless watch of Amy Snively (and a dedicated corps of her associates — Chief among them:  Pam Tierney, Connie Terwilliger and Peter O’Connell).

Yes, there are those associates, and then there are the supporters (and considerable cross-over).  I suppose you could count ALL the attendees as supporters, but then there are those who extend themselves even  further and become official supporters.

Read More Here:  Dave Courvoisier’s Blog: Voice Acting in Vegas << And now…a word from our sponsors!

If you are wondering, “What’s a FaffCon?” let me shed some light for you.

FaffCon is the only professional unconference for working voiceover professionals. It’s a participant-driven event where around 100 working voice talents share their ideas, tips, tricks, frustrations and — sometimes — even lipstick colors (thanks Amanda Fellows!). There are no pre-arranged speakers, and there’s nobody there giving a keynote, followed by a chance to buy their latest book/CDs/workbooks/workshops/bumper stickers in the back of the room after the sales pitch, errr, I mean “presentation.” The premise of FaffCon is that every participant has something to offer, and each person there can lead a session on any topic that suits their fancy. It sounds kinda loosey-goosey, but some how, some way, it all miraculously works.

Read more here: CC Heim’s Blog << A Little More than a Week Until FaffCon 4!

Read more here: Karen Souer, Voiceover Assistant’s Blog << Why You Should Aspire To Go To Faffcon.